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The American biotechnology firm, Monsanto, has applied for a patent for pig breeding in 160 countries. The patent is for specific parts of the genetic material of pigs which Monsanto’s genetic researchers have decoded. If this patent is granted, pig breeding would be possible with the approval of the company.

Farmers and breeders are naturally alarmed because these genes have long existed in the great majority of their pigs. Using DNA tests they can prove that there is no new invention in the patent applications but that, instead, granting this patent would be to allow a part of nature to fall into the hands of a single company.

Monsanto’s influence on the patent offices is huge. If the patent is approved, money will have to be paid to Monsanto for every pig in the world carrying this genetic marker. This has long been the case for certain feedstuffs, such as genetically modified maize. Many farmers in the US have already become dependent on the company. It is not merely a question of money, however, but also a question of the risk posed to consumers. In America, as in Europe, cases of infertility in animals fed with genetically modified maize are becoming increasingly common. No-one yet knows what effects such products are having on humans.

And this is just what we are able to get public infomation on. I suggest we all research much more.

Ken_D

This is called anti-trust, our governments are supposed to protect us from this, but they are all complicit. It’s really gangsterism, terrorism actually, they’re playing with our health, and the health of the planet.

fuckgreece

This is just fucking retarded. Just because they decoded that part of the gene doesnt mean they can prevent people from breeding pigs. How the fuck will 1 company prevent millions of people and farmers from breeding pigs. This is just ridiculous

Adhuy

They have been doing it with plants for years….its only a matter of time b4 its everything else.

Adhuy

They have been doing it with plants for years….its only a matter of time b4 its everything else.

fuckgreece

This is just fucking retarded. Just because they decoded that part of the gene doesnt mean they can prevent people from breeding pigs. How the fuck will 1 company prevent millions of people and farmers from breeding pigs. This is just ridiculous